15 Most Important Things You Should Know Before Starting Nursing School


Written By: Darby FaubionDarby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »»
RN, BSN, MBA


Are you thinking about going to nursing school but feel unsure of what to expect? Maybe you have heard how hard nursing school can be and wonder if there are tips for making it easier. You may be wondering, “What are the important things to know before starting nursing school?”

I understand that feeling! Having been a nursing student years ago and later working as a healthcare educator, I know there are so many things to consider. In this article, I will share the 15 most important things you should know before starting nursing school. While everyone’s journey through nursing school is different, you can take the insight I share from my experiences to help make your experience a good one!



What are the Important Things to Know Before Starting Nursing School?

(The following are the 15 most important things you should know before starting nursing school.)


THING #1: You Have Options!


About The Thing:

Anyone who knows me or who has read any of my articles knows that one of the things I love about nursing is that there are so many learning opportunities. One of the things to know before starting nursing school is you have options. If you want a short pathway to becoming a registered nurse, an associate degree nursing program could be a great option. On the other hand, if you think a leadership role or later graduate study is where you see yourself, you may prefer to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Why Knowing This is Important:

I remember when I first thought of going to nursing school (MANY years ago). I had no idea how many types of nursing programs there were and the things I could do with a nursing degree.

Knowing what options are available gives you the chance to weigh the pros and cons of each and decide which path is best for you. For instance, in addition to choosing between an associate or bachelor’s degree program, you may opt for part-time or full-time study. Also, some nursing schools offer some of their classes in an online or hybrid format, which could make your school/life balance a little easier.


THING #2: There Are Financial Resources to Help Pay for Your Education


About The Thing:

If you have done any research into nursing school, you probably already know that it is not cheap. Depending on whether you choose an associate or bachelor’s degree, go to a private or public institution, and if you have scholarships or grants, you could pay anywhere from $25,000 to more than $150,000 to earn your degree. Don’t worry, though! Like I always say, where there is a will, there is a way! That is certainly true when it comes to paying for nursing school. There are many resources to help fund your education... if you know where to look.

Why Knowing This is Important:

Knowing about financial resources to pay for nursing school is one of the things you should know before starting nursing school because, once you get the financial particulars out of the way, you can focus on school and your studies. Nursing school can be stressful, and you do not need the added stress of worrying about whether you can pay for school from one semester to the next.

The first step I recommend taking is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Student Aid includes opportunities for grants, loans, work-study, and other options to help you pay for college. State and local colleges also require students to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for their own financial aid packages. Nonprofit organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Nurses offer scholarships and other financial aid resources. Additionally, there are many private nursing school scholarships for which you may apply.


THING #3: There Is SO MUCH to Learn!


About The Thing:

No matter which type of registered nurse program you choose, you will learn so much content! I can tell you from experience as both a student and an educator that the information you learn covers a wide depth of knowledge and skills. The curriculum in nursing school includes a broad range of classes, including biology, chemistry, human anatomy, human physiology, psychology, nutrition, and statistics in healthcare.

Why Knowing This is Important:

Telling you there is so much to learn is not meant to scare you or make you worry about whether you can handle nursing school. The simple fact is that there is a lot of content, and you need to be prepared. Having an idea of what to expect from your program is one of the most important things you should know before starting nursing school. If you know what lies ahead, you can prepare mentally for potential challenges and face them head-on, improving your chance of success.


THING #4: Time Management Is Key to Your Success


About The Thing:

If there is any skill I could tell you that is important to develop to help you succeed both in nursing school and in your career as a nurse, it is the ability to manage time effectively. Time management is your ability to use a specific amount of time efficiently and productively by organizing and controlling time and planning and completing tasks within a set time. You will begin to learn time management skills early on in your nursing program and continue to develop and hone your time management abilities throughout your nursing career.

Why Knowing This is Important:

Knowing that time management is an essential skill for success is an important thing to know before starting nursing school. If you have a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed, like good time management skills, you learn to focus on ways to improve those skills and use them to your advantage. As an educator, it never took long for me to tell which students managed time wisely and which ones did not. Good time management skills are reflected in school work, attendance, and overall performance in the classroom and clinicals.


THING #5: You May Have to Set Personal Boundaries


About The Thing:

One thing I noticed about many of my students, especially the ones in their first semester of school, is that it took some time to get acclimated to the hectic schedule of nursing school and to learn to balance school requirements with everything else in their busy lives. Students with children or other family responsibilities seemed to struggle the most.

Why Knowing This is Important:

One of the most important things you should know before starting nursing school is how much time you can dedicate to school and how much time you want or need to devote to other things. It is really important to think about how much time you will spend in class or clinicals, the time you need to study and complete assignments, and the time involved in any other personal obligations. Then, you must consider how much, if any, extra time you have. It may be necessary to set personal boundaries with friends and family.

Keep in mind that, while giving up some of the things you enjoy or asking friends to give you personal time for studying can be frustrating, especially if you are used to spending time together, this is not a permanent situation. One of my favorite sayings when things get hard is, "I'll take a short-term inconvenience for a lifetime of convenience." Simply stated, that means if you put in the hard work, you may have to give up a few things now, but you will benefit from the sacrifices for years to come!


THING #6: Your Instructors WANT You to Succeed


About The Thing:

As a healthcare educator, I cannot tell you how many times I have heard students say an instructor is "out to get me." While there may be times when faculty and students have differences of opinion or you feel your instructor is coming down hard on you, that does not mean they want you to fail. In fact, the opposite is true more often than not.

Why Knowing This is Important:

What many prospective students do not realize, and one thing to know before starting nursing school, is that nursing schools are impacted by student success rates. For example, schools whose students are supported typically perform better in clinical settings, which means they are more likely to be preferred by prospective employers. Accrediting agencies assess various aspects of nursing programs, including student outcomes. Therefore, high student success rates could contribute to continued accreditation. Also, nursing schools where students have higher success rates usually have more diverse options for funding and grants, attract more prospective students, have higher NCLEX pass rates, and have good employment rates for graduates. So, as you can see, there are many reasons for instructors to root for your success!


THING #7: You May (or May Not) Be Able to Work While in Nursing School


About The Thing:

I am often asked by people considering going to nursing school if they should work while in school. Honestly, I cannot tell you whether working while in nursing school is the right decision for you. What I can tell you is that nursing school takes a lot of time. You must be dedicated to studying, going to class and clinicals, and completing assignments. Depending on any other responsibilities you have, such as taking care of your home or caring for your family, working may or may not be the best option.

Why Knowing This is Important:

It is important to know that working in nursing school may or may not be possible based on your individual circumstances because you want to make decisions that set you up for success, not failure. I recommend weighing the pros and cons of working and not working to see how either decision will affect you. Also, talk with your spouse or family to see if not working is an option. Talk to your academic advisor at school to discuss scheduling options that may make working easier if you feel the need to work while in school.


THING #8: Every Class and Clinical Day Counts!


About The Thing:

I remember the days of being in nursing school when I was so tired I felt like I just didn't have the energy to get up and go another day. There were days I literally forced myself to get my uniform on and go to clinicals or class. No matter how dedicated you are, it is normal to have days when you feel less motivated. I mean, let's face it: nursing school can really drain you. However, it is important to realize that every class and clinical day is essential. Unless you are truly sick or have a genuine emergency, it is important that you do your best to attend every day.

Why Knowing This is Important:

As a student, I learned to push through. Later, as a nursing and healthcare educator, I realized even more how important each class and clinical day is to student learning. If there is one thing to know before starting nursing school, it is that every time you go to class or clinical, you have the chance to learn from experienced nurses, preceptors, and faculty. Therefore, every day is a chance to grow and learn.


THING #9: Choosing an Accredited Nursing School is Important!


About The Thing:

If there is one key piece of advice I could give you when it comes to things you should know before starting nursing school, it is to choose a nursing school that is accredited. Accreditation ensures the program meets quality standards and can give you the assurance that you will receive an education that is up to date with current trends and advances in nursing and healthcare.

Why Knowing This is Important:

Although accreditation is a voluntary process and some nursing schools may choose not to pursue it, there are significant advantages to attending a nursing school that is accredited. Students who wish to receive state or federal financial aid must attend an accredited nursing school. Additionally, to transfer credits from an associate or bachelor’s degree nursing program to another nursing program or to pursue a graduate degree in nursing, you must first attend an accredited nursing program.

The American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) report that the accreditation process improves the quality of education nursing schools provide by ensuring schools offer the right content and appropriate teaching methods and that curricula are kept up to date with current professional standards. The AACN also reports that nurses who graduate from non-accredited nursing schools face more challenges obtaining a nursing license and may experience limited employment options.


THING #10: It Is Normal to Feel Overwhelmed... Pace Yourself!


About The Thing:

I would venture to say that anyone who tells you nursing school is a breeze has never attended nursing school. The truth is nursing school can be quite difficult. It is designed to challenge you. There will be times when you feel pushed to your limits and feel overwhelmed. One thing you should know before starting nursing school is that you are not alone. It is normal to feel tired, frustrated, overwhelmed, and quite frankly, ready to call it quits.

Why Knowing This is Important:

I believe it is important for you to know feeling overwhelmed is normal because being aware of the challenges ahead can help you prepare. If you are prepared for the difficulties, you can overcome them more easily. Everyone learns differently. As a nursing educator, I encourage you to find what works for you. Once you identify your learning style, pace yourself. If you need a break, take one. If you need help, reach out to your instructor or an academic advisor. Remember, you are not in this alone!


THING #11: Figure Out Who You Can Count On to Be Your Support System


About The Thing:

One of the most important things to know before starting nursing school is who you can rely on to support you and be there for you while you are in school. If you have a home and family, especially children, you need to know that there are people who can step in and help you with important things.

When I was in nursing school, one of my classmates was a single mom with a toddler. She had no family who lived close by and no one she could truly depend on to help her. In our second semester, she ended up dropping out of the class because it was so hard for her to find someone dependable to help care for her child that she could afford.

Why Knowing This is Important:

Nursing students must complete a specific number of clock hours of classroom training and clinicals to be eligible to graduate and take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). To meet the attendance requirements of your program, you need to have people you can depend on to help you when you need it. Having been both a nursing student and an educator, I have seen both sides of a student's scenario, and I recommend having a few people as backup help. You never know when someone may be sick or out of town, and you may have a test or an important clinical day that you cannot miss.

Many schools have childcare centers on campus that offer reduced rates for students. In fact, some programs are free for qualifying students. So, be sure to ask about this option and any other student support services the schools offer as you research which nursing school to attend.


THING #12: You NEED to Be Organized


About The Thing:

I really hate to admit it, but there was a time in my life when I was the most disorganized person. It was nothing for me to start one project and completely change directions, leaving tasks incomplete. When I started nursing school, I was what my daughter would have called a "total hot mess," and not in a good way! I learned quickly that getting and staying organized was essential for me to succeed.

Why Knowing This is Important:

The fact that you need to be organized is one of the most important things to know before starting nursing school. In nursing school, you are expected to learn a lot of information. Depending on whether you go to school part-time or full-time, you may take several classes per semester. Getting organized and staying that way will save you a lot of grief in the long run.

I encourage having some type of planner to help keep track of important dates of tests, assignments, and clinical schedules. It is much easier to practice organization than to get behind and try to catch up after you have made a mess of things!


THING #13: It Is Okay to Take Care of YOU!


About The Thing:

I will be one of the first people to tell you that nursing school is tough. It takes determination and hard work. At times, you can feel overwhelmed, and you may even feel like giving up. First of all, that is normal. You are going to be subjected to a lot of changes, including learning to balance your normal life with a new schedule filled with studying, clinicals, and tests. Do not get discouraged if you begin to feel overwhelmed.

Why Knowing This is Important:

I think it is somehow ingrained in a nurse’s DNA to be a caregiver, so much so that we often spend so much time caring for others that we neglect caring for ourselves. The same holds true for nursing students. One thing to know before starting nursing school is that it is not only okay to take care of yourself while in nursing school, but it is crucial that you do so.

Practicing self-care creates a balance between school and other things in your life. Self-care helps reduce stress, creates a better sense of overall well-being, promotes improved concentration and decision-making, and promotes safety. There are many things you can do as a nursing student and as a nurse to practice self-care, such as practicing meditation, nurturing your personal and family relationships, creating a comfortable living space, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of rest and sleep.


THING #14: No One Expects You to Know Everything


About The Thing:

Have you ever felt like you were put on the spot and just did not want to be the one to ask questions or say you did not understand something? It can be frustrating, especially if you feel it is taking you a little longer to catch on to something than the rest of your class. Nursing students often feel like others expect them to grasp information or skills the first time it is presented, but that is not true, and it is an unfair assumption.

Why Knowing This is Important:

As a nursing educator, I believe one of the most important things to know before starting nursing school is that you do not have to feel pressured to act like you know everything or to pretend you understand something when you do not. Nursing school is a time of learning. If it takes you a little longer to grasp a concept or master a skill, it is okay. Take your time and work on it until you get it right. Keep the line of communication open with your instructors and preceptors, as they are excellent sources of knowledge and experience.


THING #15: Nursing School is Tough... But So Are You!


About The Thing:

I will not lie to you... Nursing school is tough. You will spend hours upon hours reading, studying, completing assignments, going to clinicals, and preparing to take the NCLEX exam. All the responsibilities that come with nursing school are enough to leave anyone feeling stressed or anxious. You may feel sleep deprived, not have time for friends or family, and there may even be days when you want to quit. Whatever you do, do not give up!

Why Knowing This is Important:

I truly believe it is important for you to think about your strengths and why you want to become a nurse before you go to nursing school. Knowing your why and having a clear plan for how you will achieve your goals can help you keep your eye on the prize, which is graduating and becoming a licensed registered nurse. While it is true that nursing school is tough, so are you! Make up your mind that you are going to succeed, dedicate yourself to studying and working hard, and push through to the finish line! You can do this!



My Final Thoughts


If you are dreaming of becoming a registered nurse and weighing the pros and cons of nursing school, it is natural to have many questions. One of the main questions prospective students ask is, “What are the important things to know before starting nursing school?” In this article, I answered that question by sharing the 15 most important things you should know before starting nursing school. In an industry that is filled with opportunities for growth, development, and continuous learning, there is no better time to take the first step and begin your journey to becoming a nurse!



List Of Sources Used For This Article


1. Scholarships & Financial Aid (American Association of Colleges of Nurses)
2. “The Best Nursing School Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines in 2024” (bold.org)
3. “24 Classes You Take in Nursing School and Tips to Ace Them” (nursingprocess.org)
4. “Importance of Accreditation in Nursing Education Programs” (Northeastern State University)
5. “Self-Care for Nurses- 25 Proven Strategies to Take Better Care of Yourself” (nursingprocess.org)


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.